We participate in the study of Seseli farrenyi, an endemic plant of Cap de Creus and the most endangered plant species in Catalonia.
The current status of S. farrenyi is critical: it is considered endangered in the Catàleg de flora amenaçada de Catalunya and in the Catálogo Español de Especies Amenazadas. Since 2016, it has a Recovery Plan.
Throughout the year 2021, we have developed a characterization and modeling project of the habitat of the species. The objectives set have been:
The characterization of the localities of Seseli farrenyi known today
The elaboration of a multifactorial model of the potentiality of the species
The prospecting of the potentially most suitable areas derived from the model
This last objective has a dual purpose: the search for new populations and the identification of areas with optimal conditions for the reintroduction of the taxon, through the sowing of seeds or the planting of specimens.
Although the Species Recovery Plan does not consider the creation of new population areas (it only mentions the reinforcement of the existing ones), several genetic analyzes have recently shown that the introduction of new populations could be a highly recommended measure for the species.
Analysis of the localities provided by the model
With the results provided by the model, a total of 16 locations have been selected that could be optimal for the species or become reintroduction spaces. In all of them, the flora was characterized in order to compare it with the immediate surroundings of the species' population centers.
In assessing these scenarios, the following were taken into account:
The potential value of the model application
The similarity of the flora with taxa present in the immediate environment
The likelihood of the presence of visitors
The accessibility of the place
The results obtained have not been able to establish the existence of new populations, but will allow the prioritization of potential areas for the reintroduction of individuals.